Which? found huge variations in the length of time it takes alarms to sound

Older style ionisation alarms like the First alert SA300Q, the EI Electronics Ei3500S and the EI Electronics Ei100B took more than nine minutes to trigger.

This was more than four minutes longer than the Nest Protect Smoke – a newer style optical alarm.

Worryingly, the Devolo Home Control Smoke Detector – one of the most expensive products on the list that could cost you up to £160 – failed to go off in two of the tests.

In response to tests, the company said the detector passed test procedures in Germany.

A spokesperson for Devolo said: “Safety is our number one concern and we are aiming to follow the highest international standards. We are concerned by our results and that the alarm has passed standard safety tests at two certified test labs”.

Which? is now calling for new, tougher standards that only rewards models that sound more quickly.

What type of smoke alarm is best for you?

There are three types of smoke alarm: ionisation, optical and heat.

Ionisation alarms detect smoke particles using a current between two electrodes – these are more sensitive to smaller particles of smoke made by the flaming stage of fires

Optical alarms contain an infrared LED which pulses a beam of light into a sensor area to check for smoke particles -they are better at detecting larger smoke particles from slower smouldering fires but are not good in dusty areas.

Heat alarms detect an increase in temperature from a fire and are insensitive to smoke. They are best used in the kitchen or garage for example.

You should check your alarm once a month to make sure it is working correctly

London Fire Brigade said households need multiple alarms to be properly covered

IS YOUR HOME SAFE? Here’s how to check your fridge freezer and pick the right smoke alarm

He said: “Where you put your smoke alarm and how often you check it is more important that the type of alarm you own.

“Homes need multiple smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop.”

He added that it is vital that people regularly test their smoke alarms once a month.

According to recent data from UK charity, Electrical Safety First (ESF), almost 2,000 fires have been caused by domestic electrical goods in England – the equivalent of more than five a day.

A separate research found, hundreds of electrical gadgets have been recalled in recent years, including a total of 61 in 2016.

The data from ESF came after a Hotpoint FF175BP model was found to have been the fridge at the centre of the Grenfell Tower tragedy which has left 80 people dead or missing.

The Sun Online has previously explained how to check your fridge fridge freezer and pick the right smoke alarm.

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